Weather alert: Heavy rainfall warning

Update: 5:00PM PERIODS of heavy rain and squally thunderstorms are expected to affect most parts of the country this weekend.

A special weather bulletin issued at 2pm today by the Fiji Meteorological office in Nadi states that a heavy rain warning remains in force for the Eastern half of Viti Levu, Vanua Levu, Kadavu, Lau and the Lomaiviti groups.

"A trough of low pressure remains slow moving over Fiji. Meanwhile, another trough of low pressure to the west of the country is expected to intensify and move over the group from tomorrow."

"Localised heavy rain may lead to flashflooding. Associated cloud and rain are expected to affect the country until Sunday," the forecaster said.

Members of the public are advised to keep an umbrella or a rain coat handy, stay safe and keep warm.

If you are living in low-lying areas, prepare to move to higher grounds while there is still daylight.